Nigel Sibley has been appointed the new managing director of Wolseley UK.

Currently a Wolseley UK board member as brand development director (Ireland) and commercial director (UK), Nigel will replace Adrian Barden, who has been promoted to senior vice president at parent company Wolseley plc. Effective from 1 October, Nigel Sibley will lead the UK operating business, which has 15,000 employees and more than 1,800 branches nationwide.

Nigel Sibley joined Wolseley UK in 2005, and led the acquisition and integration of Brandon Hire. Prior to this he held senior executive positions at Rank Group.

Rob Marchbank, CEO Europe, said: “Nigel has an excellent track record in delivering acquisitions and business growth, and is well placed to take the UK business forward, as well as having an increasing involvement with the leadership and direction of the European management team. Wolseley UK has enjoyed a sustained period of continued growth, driven by a superb management team under Adrian’s guidance. The successful strategy of organic and acquisitive growth, combined with a focus on customer service excellence, is set to continue under Nigel's leadership.”

Adrian Barden's move is one of a number of senior appointments to establish a core leadership team from across Wolseley Group, being made by new CEO Chip Hornsby, to drive his global growth strategy.

Adrian will initially be responsible for overseeing the integration into Wolseley plc of the Nordic DT Group, recently acquired for £1.35 billion, and for establishing a global acquisitions team, covering acquisitions on both Continents. He will be based at Wolseley plc’s headquarters in Theale, near Reading.

Adrian joined Wolseley UK in 1991, and was appointed managing director in August 2003. He has an impressive track record of strategic acquisitions, and has successfully integrated ten companies into Wolseley UK in the past three years. These include Brooks Ireland, William Wilson, AC Electrical and Encon.

Commenting on these changes, Adrian Barden said: “I've thoroughly enjoyed my three years as managing director, working with a very skilled team. We've honed our logistics and distribution excellence and strengthened our global purchasing channels to ensure we stay one step ahead of the competition. I look forward to the challenges presented by my new role at Wolseley plc.”